782.1 
Bt  9b 
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PRICE  T HEX  T-Y--FI  VE  CEN  TS . 


THE 


BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 

A 

GRAND  OPERA  IN  THREE  ACTS. 

THE  MUSIC  BY  M.  W.  BALFE. 


THE  LIBRETTO  BY  A.  DUNN, 


CORRECTLY  PRINTED  PROM  THE  MOST  AUTHENTIC  AND  APPROVED 
ACTING-  COPY,  AS  NOW  PERFORMED  IN  THE  PRINCIPAL 
AMERICAN  AND  ENGLISH  THEATRES. 


New- York  : 

PUBLISHED  BY  WARDLE  CORBYN. 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL 


Dramatis  Persons. 

COUNT  ARNHEIM,  Governor  of  Presburg. 

THADDEUS,  a proscribed  Pole. 

FLORESTEIN,  Nephew  to  the  Count.  'y  / 

DEYILSHOOF,  Chief  of  the  Gipsy  tribe,  dtj 
CAPTAIN  OF  THE  GUARD. 

OFFICER. 

FIRST  GIPSY. 

SECOND  GIPSY. 

ARLINE,  the  Count’s  daughter. 

BUDA,  her  Attendant. 

QUEEN  OF  THE  GIPSIES. 

Nobles,  Soldiers,  Gipsies,  Retainers,  Peasants,  &c.,  &c. 


Cm 


Costumes. 


THADDEUS — Green  frock  coat,  trimmed  with  fur;  green  tights ; bag  cap,  trimmed 
with  fur ; Hessian  boots ; green  cap ; boots  trimmed  with  fur.  Second  dress — 
Gipsy. 

FLORESTEIN — Blue  frock  coat,  trimmed  with  fur ; military  pants  ; bag  cap,  trim- 
med with  fur.  Second  dress — Full  dress  military  coat,  pants,  boots ; rich  order  on 
the  breast.  Third  dress — Scarlet  frock  coat,  richly  trimmed  with  gold. 

ARNHEIM — Military  frock  coat,  fur  cap,  and  tights,  with  Hessian  boots.  Second 
dress — Military  dress  coat ; three-cornered  hat,  trimmed  with  gold  eaglets,  and 
epaulets,  and  high  boots  ; grey  wig. 

DEVILSHOOF — Brown  breeches  ; striped  shirt;  brown  hanging  jacket;  red  and 
striped  sash ; leather  leggings ; head  tied  up  in  figured  handkerchief ; large  black 
slouched  hat ; black  cloak. 

ARLINE — Scarlet  velvet  jacket,  trimmed  with  gold;  white  merino  skirt,  trimmed 
with  black  and  scarlet  fringe  and  Persian  shawl  border ; gilt  bracelets  and  chain 
to  arm-pins  ; black,  scarlet,  blue,  and  gold  scarf  over  the  skirt ; blue  Cashmere 
vest,  trimmed  with  gold;  Tarleton  scarf,  mixed  with  coral,  on  the  head. 

THE  GIPSY  QUEEN — Black  waist,  trimmed  with  hieroglyphics;  scarlet  shirt, 
trimmed  with  black  and  gold;  scarlet  turban  and  black  veil  on  head;  full 
red  drapery  over  the  shoulders. 

COUNT’S  CHILD — White  modern  dress,  sash. 

BUDA — Peasant’s  dress. 

CHORUS — First  dress — First  scene — Green  hunting  shirts  and  caps;  large  buckles 
and  drab  belts  ; cross  belt,  with  hunting  horn  ; spears ; buff  boots ; grey  tights. 
Second  dress — Change  to  gipsies,  nearly  the  same  as  Dcvilshoof.  Third  dress — 
Change  to  rich  square-cut  coat ; long  flap  waistcoats,  knee-breeches,  shoes  and 
stockings.  Fourth  dress — Change  to  gipsies  again. 

FEMALE  CHORUS — First  dress — As  ladies,  change  to  gipsies. 


# 


PUBLISHER’S  PREFACE. 


The  success  that  has  attended  the  publication  of  the  series  of 
Italian  Libretti,  known  as 

Corbyn’s  Illustrated  Opera  Books, 
induces  the  Publisher  of  those  popular  works  to  issue  an  entirely 


NEW  EDITION  OF  ENGLISH  OPERAS. 


The  annexed  pages  constitute  one  of  the  Series,  and  will,  it  is 
believed,  be  found  superior,  in  every  respect,  to  any  book  of 
English  Opera  ever  yet  presented  to  the  public. 

The  Dialogue  and  Poetry  are  faithfully  transcribed  from  the 
most  authentic  Prompt  Books  used  in  Europe  or  America,  elegantly 
printed  in  clear  type,  upon  fine  paper.  Each  Opera  will  be  pre- 
ceded by  a brief  but  clear  synopsis  of  the  plot  or  story  in  which  it 
' is  founded,  with  a description  of  the  costumes,  and  full  stage  direc- 
tions will  be  found  in  every  scene,  thus  rendering  this  work  the 
most  reliable  for  the  profession,  as  well  as  the  most  elegant  and 
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It  is  believed  that  the  enterprise  will  be  appreciated  and  sus- 
tained by  the  public;  and  that  this  edition  of  “ Corbyrfs  English 


£ Opera  Books 71  will  equal  in  popularity  the  Series  already  issued  by 
: the  same  Publisher. 


W.  C. 


PLOT  OF  THE  OPERA. 

The  action  of  this  Lyric  Drama  commences  at  the  chateau  of  Count  Arnheim , in 
Austria.  The  peasantry  and  retainers  of  the  Count  are  making  preparations  for  the 
chase,  when  Thaddeus,  a Polish  exile  and  fugitive  from  the  Austrian  troops,  arrives, 
in  search  of  shelter  and  concealment.  Here  he  encounters  a band  of  Gipsies,  head- 
ed by  one  Devilshoof,  who,  learning  from  Thaddeus  that  he  is  pursued  by  soldiers, 
gives  him  a disguise,  conceals  him,  and  puts  the  pursuing  troops  on  the  wrong 
track.  Just  at  this  time,  shouts  of  distress  are  heard,  Florestein  rushes  on,  sur- 
rounded by  huntsmen.  The  Count’s  child  and  her  attendant  have  been  attacked  by 
an  infuriated  stag  in  the  forest,  and  are  probably  destroyed.  Hearing  this,  Thaa- 
deus  seizes  a rifle,  and  hastens  to  their  relief,  and  by  a well-aimed  shot,  kills  the 
animal,  and  saves  them  from  destruction.  The  Count  now  returns  in  time  to  hear 
of  the  peril  of  his  darling  child,  and  to  see  Thaddeus  bearing  her  wounded  form  in 
his  arms.  Overjoyed  to  find  her  still  alive,  the  Count  overwhelms  Thaddeus  with 
grateful  thanks,  and  invites  him  to  join  in  the  festivities  about  to  take  place.  Thad- 
deus at  first  declines,  but  being  warmly  entreated  to  remain,  at  length  consents  to 
do  so.  They  seat  themselves  at  table,  and  the  Count  proposes  as  a toast,  “ Health 
and  long  life  to  the  Emperor.”  All,  except  Thaddeus , do  honor  to  the  toast,  and 
his  silence  being  observed,  the  Count  challenges  him  to  empty  his  goblet  as  the  rest 
have  done.  Thaddeus , to  the  surprise  of  all,  dashes  the  wine  to  the  earth  ; this,  of 
course,  produces  a burst  of  indignation.  The  assembled  guests  are  infuriated  by 
such  an  indignity  to  their  monarch,  and  threaten  the  life  of  Thaddeus.  At  this  mo- 
ment Devilshoof  returns,  and  at  once  takes  sides  with  Thaddeus.  The  Count  orders 
Devilshoof  to  oe  secured.  The  attendants  seize  and  carry  him  into  the  castle. 
Thaddeus  departs,  and  the  festivities  are  resumed.  During  the  fete , Devilshoof 
escapeSj  taking  with  him  the  Count’s  infant  daughter,  Arline  ; and  his  flight  being 
almost  immediately  discovered,  the  greatest  excitement  prevails.  Peasants,  hunts- 
men, and  attendants,  hasten  in  search  of  the  daring  fugitive,  and  he  is  seen  bearing 
the  child  across  a dangerous  precipice  ; he  escapes,  and  the  unhappy  father  sinks  in 
despair  as  the  first  act  ends. 

Twelve  years  are  supposed  to  elapse,  and  we  are  transported  to  the  city  of  Pres- 
burg,  in  the  suburbs  oi  which  the  Gipsies  are  encamped  with  the  Queen  of  the 
tribe,  in  whose  tent  dwells  the  Count’s  daughter,  Arline,  now  a fine  young  woman. 
Florestein , a foppish  attache  to  the  Court,  is  met  by  Devilshoof  and  his  companions, 
who  relieve  him  of  his  jewelry,  among  which  is  a medallion,  which  Devilshoof  car- 
ries off.  Thaddeus,  who  has  joined  the  tribe,  is  now  enamored  of  “ Arline ,”  and  he 
tells  her  ’twas  he  who  saved  her  life  in  infancy,  but  he  still  carefully  conceals  from 
her  the  secret  of  her  birth.  Arline  confesses  her  love  for  Thaddeus , and  they  are 
betrothed  according  to  the  custom  of  the  Gipsy  tribe. 

A grand  fair  is  in  progess  in  the  plaaz  of  the  city,  and  hither,  of  course,  come  all 
the  Gipsies,  who  add  to  the  gayety  and  life  of  the  scene  by  their  peculiar  dances, 
songs,  &c.  Count  Arnheim  now” arrives,  surrounded  by  officers  of  state.  He 
appears  much  older;  sorrow  more  than  years  has  whitened  his  hair  and  saddened 
his  heart.  His  nephew,  Florestein , calls  nis  attention  to  the  charming  Arline,  whose 
beauty  has  quite  fascinated  him.  While  trying  to  engage  her  attention,  he  perceives 
his  medallion  hanging  on  her  neck,  and  claims  it : charges  her  with  having  stolen  it. 
This  leads  to  great  excitement:  the  guard  is  called,  Arline  is  arrested,  and  the  crowd 
dispersed  by  the  soldiery.  The  supposed  culprit  is  brought  before  Count  Arnheim  ; 
Florestein  presses  the  charge,  and  circumstances  strengthen  the  appearance  of  guilt 
against  Arline,  when  the  Count  perceives  the  mark  left  by  the  wound  inflicted  by  the 
deer  on  Arline' s arm.  He  asks  its  origin.  She  repeats”  the  story  as  related  to  her 
by  Thaddeus.  The  Count  recognizes  his  long-lost  child,  and  the  act  ends  with  an 
effective  tableau. 

In  the  third  act  we  find  Arline  restored  to  her  rank  and  the  home  of  her  father, 
hut  the  change  in  her  prospects  does  not  diminish  her  love  for  Thaddeus.  He, 
daring  all  dangers  for  an  interview,  seeks  and  finds  her  here.  He  comes  te  bid  her 
farewell,  and  prays  that  she  will,  even  when  surrounded  by  other  admirers,  give  a 
thought  to  him  who  saved  her  life,  and  who  loves  her.  She  promises  fidelity,  and 
declares  herself  his  and  his  only.  Here  we  find  that  the  Gipsy  Queen,  who  also 
loves  Thaddeus,  has  been  plotting  to  take  him  from  Arline.  By  her  device  the  me- 
dallion was  discovered  in  the  possession  of  Arline.  Even  now  she  is  conspiring  to 
separate  the  lovers,  but  her  plots  fail.  Thaddeus  relates  his  history  to  Count  Arn- 
heim, who,  in  gratitude  to  the  saviour  of  his  child,  bestows  her  upon  him. 
Desire  for  vengeance  now  fills  the  heart  of  the  Gipsy  Queen;  she  induces  one  of 
her  tribe  to  fire  at  Thaddeus  as  he  is  embracing  Arline,  but  by  a timely  movement 
of  Devilshoof,  the  bullet  reaches  her  own  heart.  The  lovers  are  united^and  as 
usual  in  such  cases,  all  ends  happily.  W.  C. 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


Act  the  First. 

SCENE  THE  FIRST. 

The  Chateau  and  Grounds  of  Count  Arnheim,  on  the  Danube,  near  Presburg.  On 
one  side,  the  principal  entrance  to  the  Castle  ; opposite,  is  a statue  of  the  Emperor, 
above  which  a party  is  employed  raising  the  Austrian  flag. 

On  ' rising  of  the  Curtain,  the  Detainers  of  Count  Arnheim  are  discovered  preparing 

for  the  Chase. 

[CHORUS. 

Up  with  the  banner,  and  down  with  the  slave 
Who  shall  dare  to  dispute  the  right. 

Wherever  its  folds  in  their  glory  wave, 

Of  the  Austrian  eagle’s  flight  ; 

Its  pinion  flies 
As  free  in  the  skies 

As  that  of  the  airy  king, 

And  thro’  danger  fleets, 

Like  the  heart  that  heats 
Beneath  his  plumed  wing. 

[After  they  have  fixed  the  flag,  they  all  come  forward.'] 

Now  the  foeman  lies  low,  and  the  battle-field’s  won. 

We  may  honor  in  peace  what  in  war  we  have  done. 

The  stiring  chase,  the  festive  board, 

The  varied  charms  which  each  afford, 

Shall  the  day  and  night  beguile : 

And  care  shall  be  drowned  in  that  glass 
Which  nothing  on  earth  can  surpass, 

But  a lovely  woman’s  smile. 

Then  up  with  the  banner,  &c. 


G 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


[Act  i. 


[. At  the  end  of  Chorus , Count  Arnheim  and  Florestein  enter  from  Chateau , 
(s.  e.  l.,)  followed  by  various  neighboring  Nobles,  Pages , Huntsmen , c&c., 

Am  child,  Arline,  attended  by  Bud  a,  <£c.] 

SOLO. 

Count.  A soldier’s  life 

Has  been  of  strife, 

In  all  its  forms  so  much, 

That  no  gentler  theme. 

The  world  will  deem,  1 
A soldier’s  heart  can  touch. 

CHORUS. 

Retainers.  Hail  to  the  Lord  of  the  soil, 

His  vassal’s  love  is  the  spoil 
That  lord  delights  to  share. 

CHORUS. 

Hunters.  Away  to  the  hill  and  glen, 

Where  the  hunter’s  belted  men, 

With  bugles  shake  the  air. 

flhe  Count,  after  bowing  to  his  friends,  sees  Arline,  and  takes  her  in  his  arms.\ 

Cou.  Ah ! who  can  tell,  save  he  who  feels, 

The  care  a parent’s  love  reveals. 

How  dear,  fond  thing,  thou  art 
To  this  lone  widowed  heart ! 

Cho.  Away  to  the  hill  and  glen,  &c. 

[During  this,  a Retainer  brings  down  (r.)  a rifle  to  Florestein, who  puts  it  away 
from  him.  Count  Arnheim:  exits  into  Chateau.  Nobles  and  Hunters  ascend 
rocks  and  exeunt.  Arline  petitions  Buda  to  let  her  accompany  them,  and  goes 
off  by  a footpath,  at  the  side  of  rocks , with  her  and  Florestein.] 

Enter  Thaddeus,  breathless  and  exhausted,  in  a state  of  great  alarm. 

Tha.  A guard  of  Austrian  soldiers  are  on  my  track,  and H "can  no  longer 
elude  their  vigilance.  An  exile  from  my  wretched  country,  now  a prey  to  the 
inveterate  invader,  my  only  hope  is  in  some  friendly  shelter.  (Sees  the  statue 
of  Emperor .)  Ah ! that  tells  me  I am  here  on  the  very  threshold  of  our 
enemies  I 

RECITATIVE. 

Tha.  Without  a country,  without  a home,  without  friends,  and  without 
fortune! — Oh,  what  will  become  of  the  proscribed  orphan,  [Thaddeus  of 
Poland  1 

CAVATINA. 

’Tis  sad  to  leave  your  father  land, 

And  friends  you  loved  there  well, 

To  wander  on  a stranger  strand, 

Where  iriends  but  seldom  dwell. 

Yet,  hard  as  are  such  ills  to  bear. 

And  deeply  though  they  smart, 

Their  pangs  are  light  to  those  who  are 
The  orphans  of  the  heart ! 


Scene  I.] 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


7 


Oh,  if  there  were  one  gentle  eye 
To  weep  when  I might  grieve. 

One  bosom  to.  receive  the  sigh 
Which  sorrow  oft  will  heave  ; 

One  heart  the  ways  of  life  to  cheer, 

Though  rugged  they  might  be, 

No  language  can  express  how  dear 
That  heart  would  be  to  me  ! 

[At  end  of  song , a troop  of  Gipsies,  headed  by  Devilshoof,  their  leader,  suddenly 
appear,  (r.  h.,)  and  are  about  to  seize  and  rob  Thaddeus,  but  presuming,  by  his 
dress,  that  he  is  a soldier,  they  stop  and  examine  him.] 

CHORUS. 

In  the  gipsy’s  life  you  may  read 
The  life  that  all  would  like  to  lead. 

Through  the  wide  world  to  rove. 

Be  it  sunny  or  drear, 

With  but  little  to  love, 

And  still  less  to  fear : 

Sometimes  under  roof,  and  sometimes  thrown 
Where  the  wild  wolf  makes  his  lair, 

For  he  who’s  no  home  to  call  his  own, 

Will  find  a home  somewhere. 

’Tis  the  maxim  of  man' 

What’s  another’s  to  claim  ; 

Then  to  keep  all  he  can, 

And  we  do  the  same ! 

Thus  a habit  once,  ’tis  custom  grown, 

And  ev’ry  man  will  take  care. 

If  he  hasn’t  a home  to  call  his  own, 

To  find  a home  somewhere. 

Tha.  The  sight  of  these  wanderers  has  inspired  me  with  a prospect.  [To 
Dev.]  Your  manner  and  habit  please  me.  I should  like  to  join  your  band. 
I am  young,  strong,  and  have,  I hope,  plenty  of  courage. 

Lev.  Who  are  you  ? 

Tha.  One  without  money,  without  home,  and  withoutjhope. 

Dev.  You’re  just  the  fellow  for  us,  then ! 

Gip.  ( who  is  on  look-out  on  rock  u.)  Soldiers  are  coming  this  way. 

Tha.  ’Tis  me  they  are  in  search  of. 

Dev.  Indeed ! then  they’ll  be  cunning  if  they  find  you. 

[In  a moment  they  strip  the.  soldier's  dress  off  Thaddeus,  and  as  they  are  putting 
a gipsy's  frock,  &c.,  over  him,  a roll  of  parchment,  with  seal  attached,  falls  at 
the  feet  of  Devilshoof,  who  seizes  it. J 

Dev.  What  is  this  ? 

Tha.  My  commission ! It  is  the  only  thing  I possess  on  earth,  and  I will 
never  part  with  it. 

[Snatches  and  conceals  it  in  his  bosom, n and  has  but  just  time  to  mix  himself  with  the 
Gipsies,  when  a body  of  the  Emperor's  Soldiers  enter  in  pursuit  A 
Off.,  {scrutinizing  Gipsies .)  Have  you  seen  any  one  pass  this  way — any 
stranger  ? 


8 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL.  [Act  I 


Lev.  No  one — stay — yes — , a young  Polish  soldier  ran  by  just  now,  and 
passed  up  those  rocks.  ' 

Offi.  That’s  him — thanks,  friend ! forward ! 

[. Exeunt  Soldiers  up  rocks. 


DUET  AND  CHORUS. 

Lev.  Comrade,  your  hand. 

We  understand 

Each  other  in  a breath.  [Shaking  his  hand , 
This  grasp  secures 
Its  owner  yours, 

In  life,  and  until  death. 

Tha.  Long  as  it  hold, 

With  friendly  fold, 

Mine  shall  cling  to  it. 

(Aside.)  By  death  he  means,  but 
“If  there’s  a throat  to  cut 
“ Why  you  must  do  it  1” 

Oho.  In  the  gipsy’s  life  you  may  read,  &c. 

Tha.  My  wants  are  few — 

Lev.  Want  we  ne’er  knew, 

But  wliat  we  could  supply. 

Tha.  Then  what  is  worse, 

I have  no  purse — 

Lev.  We  nothing  have  to  buy. 

Tha.  My  heart  ’twill  wring — 

Lev.  That  is  a thing 

In  which  we  never  deal. 

Tha.  But  all  I need — 

Lev.  ’Twere  best  indeed 

To  borrow,  beg,  or  steal. 

Cho.  In  the  gipsy’s  life  you  may  read,  &c. 


ENSEMBLE. 

Lev.  Then  rest  ye  here,  while  we 
Explore  each  spot,  and  see 
What  luck  there  is  in  store. 

Tha.  The  scenes  and  days  to  me. 

Which  seemed  so  blest  to  be, 

No  time  can  e’er  restore. 

Cho.  Oh,  what  is  the  worth  of  the  richest  man’s  wealth, 

Which  the  chances  are  likely  he  came  to  by  stealth, 

Unless  he  can  rove  abroad  in  the  free  air. 

As  free  as  we  are,  from  all  sorrow  and  care. 

[All  exeunt  b. — Loud  shouts  and  alarms  are  heard , which  become  more  and  more 
distinct,  when  a body  of  Huntsmen  are  seen  to  cross  the  tree  over  the  rocks,  &c.,  and 
exeunt  by  the  path  where  Arlene,  <&c.,  went  off.  Alarms  continue,  when  Flores- 
tein  rushes  in,  apparently  frightened  to  death.) 

SONG. 

Is  no  succor  near  at  hand  ? 

For  my  intellect  so  reels, 

I am  doubtful  if  I stand 

On  my  head  or  on  my  heels. 

No  gentlemen,  it’s  very  clear, 

Such  shocks  should  ever  know. 


Scene  I.] 


9 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 

And  when  I once  become  a peer, 

They  shall  not  treat  me  so ! 

Then  let  ev’ry  vassal  arm, 

For  my  thanks  he  well  deserves 
Who  from  this  state  of  alarm 
Will  protect  my  shattered  nerves ! 

To  think  that  one  unused  to  fear, 

Such  fright  should  ever  know. 

But  let  them  make  me  once  a peer, 

They  shall  not  treat  me  so  ! 

[At  end  of  song , Thaddeus  and  Peasantry  rush  in,  evincing  the  greatest  state  of 

alarm  and  terror .] 

Tha.  What  means  this  alarm  ? 

Pea.  The  Count’s  child  and  her  attendant  have  been  attacked  by  an 
infuriated  animal,  and  are  probably  killed  ere  this  ! 

Tha.  What  do  I hear  ? 

[Re  perceives  the  rifle  that  Florestien  has  left  on  the  stage,  utters  an  exclamation, 
seizes  it,  runs  up  the  rocks,  aims,  fires,  and  instantly  rushes  off.  The  discharge 
of  the  rifle , and  the  alarm  of  the  Peasantry , bring  Count  Arnheim  and  his 
party  to  the  spot.  Devilshoof  enters  at  one  side,  at  the  same  time  watching.  \ 
Cou.  Whence  proceed  these  sounds  of  fear,  and  where  is  my  darling  child  ? 
[All  maintain  a painful  silence,  when  Thaddeus  is  seen  rushing  in,  conveying 
Arline,  who  is  wounded  in  the  arm,  and  seems  faint. ] 

Buda.  {Falling  at  the  Count’s  feet)  We  were  pursued  by  the  wild  deer  they 
were  chasing,  and,  but  for  the  bravery  of  this  young  man  {pointing  to  Tha.)  the 
life  of  your  child  would  have  been  sacrificed. 

Cou.  {Clasping  his  child  in  his  arms.)  Praised  be  Providence  her  life  is  saved, 
for  she  is  all  that  renders  mine  happy.  {Looking  at  her  arm , then  addressing 
Buda.)  Let  her  wound  have  every  attention,  though  it  presents  no  sign  of 
danger. 

[Buda  goes  into  the  Castle  with  Arline,  and  Count  Arnheim  advances  to 

Thaddeus.) 

Stranger,  accept  the  hand  of  one  who,  however  different  to  you  in  station,  can 
never  sufficiently  thank  you  for  the  service  you  have  rendered  him. 

Dev.  {Aside)  First  to  serve,  and  then  be  thanked  by,  the  persecutor  of  his 
country.  The  fellow’s  mad ! 

Cou . I trust  you  will  remain,  and  join  the  festivities  we  are  about  to 
indulge  in ; and  ’twill  gratify  me  to  know  I can  be  useful  to  you. 

Tha.  I thank  your  lordship  ; but — 

Cou.  {To  the  Nobles)  Pray,  my  friends,  join  your  entreaties  to  mine. 

{Here  the  Nobles  all  surround  the  Count  and  Thaddeus,  and  Florestein  coming 
up  to  him,  says — ) 

Flo.  I’m  extremely  obliged  to  you  for  not  shooting  me  as  well  as  my  little 
cousin — and  I beg  you’ll — aw — stay — {Aside)  A very  common  sort  of  per- 
sonage, apparently. 

Tha.,  {to  the  Count)  Be  it  as  your  lordship  wishes. 

Cou.  Then  be  seated,  friends,  and  let  the  fete  begin. 


10 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


[Act  1. 


[They  all  seat  themselves  at  the  tables  which  have  previously  been  laid,  on  the  o.  P.  oppo- 
site the  Castle.  THADDEUS  takes  his  seat  at  the  farther  end.  FLORESTEIN 
occupying  a prominent  position.  When  they  are  seated,  a variety  of  dances  are 
introduced,  during  which  Buda  is  seen  at  one  of  the  windows  holding  on  her  knee 
the  child,  whose  arm  is  bound  up.  At  the  termination  of  the  dancing,  the  Count 
rises.] 

Cou.  I ask  you  to  pledge  but  once,  and  that  is,  to  the  health  and  long  life  of 
your  Emperor. 

[Here  the  guests  fill  their  glasses,  rise,  and  turning  towards  the  statue  of  the  Emperor 
drink,  while  the  peasantry  surround  it  respectfully.  THADDEUS  alone  keeps  his 
seat,  on  perceiving  which,  Floresteint  goes  up  to  the  Count  and  points  it  out  to 
him.] 

Flo.  Your  new  acquaintance,  my  dear  uncle,  is  not  overburthened  with  polite- 
ness or  loyalty,  for  he  neither  fills  his  glass,  nor  fulfils  your  wishes. 

Cou.  {filling  a glass  and  going  up  to  Thaddeus.)  I challenge  you  to  empty  this 
to  the  health  of  our  Emperor. 

Tha.  {taking  the  glass)  I accept  the  challenge,  and  thus  I empty  the  goblet . 

[ Goes  up  to  the  statue  and  throws  down  the  glass  with  the  utmost  contempt.  A general 
burst  of  indignation  follows .] 

[Chorus  of  guests,  rising , drawing  their  swords , and  rushing  towards  Thaddeus] 

Down  with  the  daring  slave 
Who  disputes  the  right 
Of  a people’s  delight, 

And  would  their  anger  brave  j 

Cou.  {to  the  Nobles  and  Guests,  interposing  between  them  and  THADDEUS.) 

Although  tis  vain  to  mask 
The  rage  such  act  demands, 

Forgive  me  if  I ask 

His  pardon  at  your  hands ; 

If  from  your  wrath  I venture  to  have  craved 
The  life  of  one,  my  more  than  life  who  saved. 

{To  Thaddeus.)  Stranger  I answer  not 

One  moment  for  your  life ; 

Quit,  while  you  may,  a spot 
Where  you  have  raised  a strife. 

Your  longer  presence  will  more  excite, 

And  this  will  the  service  you  did  me  requite. 

[Throws  Thaddeus  a purse  of  gold. 

DEVILSHOOF  rushes  in. 

Where  is  the  hand  will  dare  to  touch 
One  hair  of  a head  I prize  so  much. 

[Taking  the  hand  of  THADDEUS. 
{To  Cou)  That  pulse  of  pride  you  boast 

Within  me  beats  as  high — 

You  and  your  titled  host, 

Proud  lord,  I do  defy. 

Flo.  {aside,  with  a glass  in  one  hand,  and  a leg  of  a bird  in  the  other) 

Upon  my  life  ’tis  most  unpleasant 
Just  as  one  had  attacked  a pheasant. 


Scene  I.] 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


11 


[Thaddeus,  who  has  taken  up  the  purse,  and  seeing  himself  and  DEVILSHOOF  sur- 
rounded, by  the  Nobles  and  Guests,  throws  the  purse  at  the  Count’s  feet.] 

Take  back  your  gold,  and  learn  to  know 
One above  augbt  you  can  bestow. 

CHORUS  OF  NOBLES,  &c. 

Down  with  the  daring  slave 
Who  would  our  fury  brave. 

Dev.  Stand  back,  ye  craven  things  ; 

Who  dares  obstruct  our  path, 

Upon  his  rashness  brings 
The  vengeance  of  my  wrath. 

[DEVILSHOOF  defending  Thaddeus,  retreats,  pressed  upon  by  the  Nobles,  Guests,  §c., 
when  the  COUNT  orders  a party  of  his  Retainers  to  divide  them ; they  seize 
Devtlshoof  and  take  him  into  the  Castle .] 

Seize  him  and  bind  him,  and  there  let  him  find 
Escape  from  those  waLs  better  men  have  confined. 

[Here  a party  of  the  Huntsmen  and  Retainers  separate  THADDEUS  and  DEVILS- 
HOOF ; they  march  Thaddeus  off,  who  exits  among  the  rocks,  while  DEVILS- 
HOOF  is  dragged  into  the  Castle .] 

Dev.  (as  they  are  dragging  him  off) 

Tho’  meshed  by  numbers  in  the  yoke 
Of  one  by  all  abhorr’d. 

Yet  tremble,  worthless  lord, 

At  the  vengeance  you  thus  provoke. 

Cho.  Down  with  the  daring  slave 

Who  would  our  fury  brave. 

[Devilshoof  is  dragged  off  into  the  Castle , the  Count,  Nobles,  <£c.,  reseat  themselves , 
when  other  dances  are  introduced  and  the  festival  continues  / Buda  is  seen  to 
leave  the  Svindow  at  which  she  has  been  seated  with  Arline,  and  she  enters  and 
converses  with  the  Count.  In  the  midst  of  the  most  joyous  movements  of  the 
dance  Devilshoof  is  seen  descending  from  the  roof  of  the  Castle  until  he  reaches 
the  window  of  Arline’ s chamber , into  which  he  is  seen  to  enter , and  to  shut  it 
immediately.  Buda  then  enters  the  Castle , and  in  a minute  afterwards  the 
festivities  are  interrupted  by  a\  violent  shrieking , the  window  is  thrown  open , 
and  Buda,  pale , and  with  dishevelled  hair , signifies  by  her  gestures  that  Arline 
has  disappeared .] 

Cho.  What  sounds  break  on  the  air  ? 

What  looks  of  wild  despair 

A grief  as  wild  impart. 

Cou.  My  child  ! that  word  alone, 

With  agonizing  tone, 

Bursts  in  upon  my  heart ! 

[Count  and  Nobles  dash  into  the  Castle.  A general  movement  of  all — some  are 
seen  at  the  window  of  Arline’ s chamber  signifying  that  she  is  gone.] 

Cho.  Be  every  hand  prepared 

Their  liege  lord’s  halls  to  guard, 

With  devotion  whose  bond 
All  ties  is  beyond. 


12 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


[Act  I. 


Flo.  ( kneeling  and  apparently  greatly  alarmed.') 

Why  what  with  dancing,  screaming,  fighting. 

One  really  is  a shocking  plight  in, 

And  it  puzzles  quite  one’s  wit 
To  find  a place  to  pick  a bit. 

{The  Count  rushes  from  the  Castle , dragging  Buda  and  followed  by  Nobles,  Bud  a, 
trembling , falls  on  her  Jcness .] 

Con.  Wretch ! monster ! give  me  back 
The  treasure  of  my  soul ; 

Go — all— the  spoiler’s  footsteps  track 
That  treasured  prize  who  stole. 

But  no,  vain  hope  ! unless  we  pray  to  Him 
Who  healeth  all  sorrow,  with  suppliant  limb. 

PRAYER. 

Thou,  who  in  might  supreme, 

O’er  the  fate  of  all  reignest, 

Thou  who  hope’s  palest  beam 
In  the  mourner  sustainest ! 

Vouchsafe  to  lend  an  ear 
To  the  grief  of  the  wailer, 

Cut  short  the  dark  career 
Of  the  ruthless  assailer. 

( During  the  prayer , Devilshoof  is  seen  climbing  up  the  rocks  with  Abline  in  his 

arms.) 

CHORUS. 

Follow,  follow,  with  heart  and  with  arm, 

Follow,  follow,  and  shelter  from  harm 
The  pride  of  Arnheim’s  line. 

Where  all  its  hopes  entwine. 

Follow,  follow, 

O’er  brake  and  through  hollow ! 

Climb  the  hill,  ford  the  stream. 

High  in  air  weapons  gleam  ! 

Dash  through  where  danger  lies . 

Danger — aye,  death,  despise ! 

To  save,  let  all  combine, 

The  pride  of  Arnhiem’s  line. 

[At  the  most  animated  part  of  the  Chorus,  bodies  of  Gentry,  Retainers,  Servants,  £., 
are  seen  rushing  towards  the  rocks,  and  over  every  part,  in  pursuit  of  DEVILSHOOF, 
who,  perceiving  his  situation,  knocks  away,  the  moment  he  has  crosesd  it,  the  trunk 
of  the  tree,  which  serves  as  a bridge  between  the  two  rocks,  and  thus  bars  their 
passage.  COUNT  Aknheim  in  his  distraction  is  about  to  throw  himself  into  the 
gulf — he  is  held  back  by  attendants,  into  whose  arms  he  falls  senseless.  Some  are  in 
attitude  of  prayer — others  menace  DEVILSHOOF,  who,  folding  AklinE  in  his 
large  cloak,  disappears  in  the  depths  of  the  forest.'] 


Scene.  I] 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


13 


Act  the  Second. 

[Note. — Twelve  Years  are  supposed  to  elapse  between  the  First  and  Second 

Acts.] 

SCENE  THE  FIRST. 

Street  in  Presburg,  Moonlight — Tent  of  the',  Queen  of  the  Gipsies , large  curtains  at 
the  back — it  is  lighted  by  a lamp.  On  the  opposite,  side  of  the  Stage  are  Houses 
— one  of  which,  an  Hotel,  is  lighted  up. 

Akline  is  discovered  asleep  on  a tiger’s  skin — Thaddeus  is  watching  over  her. 
As  the  curtain  rises,  a Patrol  of  the  City  Guard  marches  by,  and  as  soon  as  they 
have  gone  off,  DeVILSHOOF  and  a party  of  Gipsies,  wrapped  up  in  Cloaks,  sud- 
denly appear. 

CHORUS. 

Silence ! silence ! — the  lady  moon 
Is  the  only  witnesss  now  awake, 

And  weary  of  watching,  perchance  she  soon 
To  sleep  will  herself  betake. 

Silence ! silence ! from  her  throne  in  air 
She  may  look  on  and  listen,  for  aught  we  care ; 

But  if  she  attend  unto  our  behest. 

She  will  quietly  go  to  her  rest. 

SOLO. 

Dev.  There’s  a deed  to  do  whose  gains 

Will  reward  the  risk  and  the  pains — 

[ The  Gipsies  all  draw  their  daggers  and  appear  delighted .] 

Fie  ! fie ! to  a gentleman  when  you  appear, 

You  may  draw  his  purse  without  drawing  your  steel ; 

With  bows,  and  politeness,  and  great  respect, 

You  may  take  more  than  lie  can  at  first  detect. 

[Pointing  to  the  lighted  windows  of  the  Hotel.] 

See,  where  in  goblets  deep 
What  sense  they  have  they  steep — 

Watch  here!  till  each  to  his  home 
Shall  reel  on  his  doutful  way. 

Watch  here  ! and  the  goblet’s  foam 
Will  make  him  an  easy  prey  ! 

Silence  ! silence ! this  way,  this  way ! 

[As  the  Gipsies  retire  up  the  stage,  FlobESTEIN  staggers  out  of  the  hotel — he  is 
elegantly  dressed  with  chain,  rings,  8?c.,  and  a rich  medallion  round  his  neck .] 
Flo.  Wine!  wine!  if  I am  heir 

To  the  Count — my  uncle’s — line, — [Hiccup. 

Where’s  the  fellow — will  dare 

To  refuse  his  nephew — wine  ? [Hiccup. 

That  moon  there,  staring  me  in  the  way, 

Can’t  be  as  modest  as  people  say. 

For  meet  whom  she  will,  and  in  whatever  spot, 

She  often  looks  on  at  what  she  ought  not, 

Wine!  wine!  wine! 


14 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


[Act  II. 


[ The  GIPSIES  have  by  this  time  advanced,  and  Devilshoof  goes  politely  up  to 

Florestein.] 

My  ear  caught  not  the  clock’s  last  chime. 

And  I beg  to  ask  the  time  ? 

FLORESTEIN  reels,  recovers  a little,  and  after  eyeing  DEVILSHOOF,] 

{Aside)  If  the  bottle  has  prevailed, 

Yet  whenever  I’m  assailed. 

Though  there  may  be  nothing  in  it, 

I am  sobered  in  a minute — 

{To  DeV.)  You  are  really  so  polite, 

That  {gulling  out  his  watch)  ’tis  late  into  the  night. 


Dev.  {Taking  the  watch  and  putting  it  into  his  fob) 

You  are  very  kind — can  it  really  be  ! 

Are  you  sure  it  is  so  late  ? 

Flo.  {Assuming  courage)  May  I beg  to  ask ? 

Dev.  I am  grieved  to  see 

Any  one  in  such  a state, 

And  will  gladly  take  the  utmost  care 
Of  the  rings  and  chains  you  chance  to  wear. 

[Taking  from  FLORESTEIN  his  rings,  chain,  and  the  rich  medallion.  FLORESTEIN 

draics  his  sword) 

Flo.  What  I thought  was  politeness,  is  downright  theft. 

And  at  this  rate  I soon  shall  have  nothing  left. 


[At  a sign  from  DEVILSHOOF  the  Gipsies  instantly  surround  FLORESTEIN,  and 
take  every  valuable  from  him) 

Clio.  Advance  with  caution,  let  every  man 
Seize  on,  and  keep  whatever  he  can. 

[During  the  chorus  DEVILSHOOF  makes  off  with  the  medallion,  and  the  others  are 
dividing  the  rest  of  the  spoil,  when  a female  appears  in  the  midst  of  them,  drops 
her  cloak  and  discovers  their  Queen.  The  Gipsies  appear  stupified) 

Queen.  To  him  from  whom  you  stole, 

Surrender  back  the  whole. 

[ The  Gipsies  return  the  different  things  to  FLORESTEIN. 
Flo.  {Trembling  and  looking  over  the  things) 

Thanks,  madam. — lady — but  might  I request 
A medallion  in  diamonds — worth  all  the  rest. 

sign  from  the  Queen,  who  seems  to  command  its  restitution) 
CHORUS  OF  GIPSIES. 

On  our  chieftain’s  share  we  ne’er  encroach. 

And  he  fled  with  that  prize,  at  your  approach. 

{To  Florestein.)  Be  your  safety  my  care — 

{trembling.)  I’m  in  precious  hands. 

(To  Gipsies)  Follow  and  list  to  your  Queen’s  commands. 

Yes,  we  will  list  to  our  Queen’s  commands. 

Exeunt  QUEEN  holding  FLORESTEIN,  all  oj  a tremble,  in  one  hand,  and  beckoning 
the  Gipsies  to  follow  with  the  other.  As  soon  as  they  have  gone  off,  Arline 
who  has  been  awoke  by  the  noise,  comes  from  the  tent,  followed  by  THADDEUS.J 
Arl.  Where  have  I been  wandering  in  my  sleep?  and  what  curious  noise 
awoke  me  from  its  pleasant  dream  ? Ah,  Thaddeus,  you  would  not  like  to 
know  my  dream ! well,  I will  tell  it  you. 


[At  a 


Qne. 

Flo. 

Que. 

Cho. 


Scene  I, 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


15 


THE  GIPSY  GIRL’S  DREAM. 

I dream’d  that  I dwelt  in  marble  halls, 

With  vassals  and  serfs  at  my  side, 

And  of  all  who  assembled  within  those  walls 
That  I was  the  hope  and  pride. 

I had  riches  too  great  to  count — could  boast 
Of  a high  ancestral  name, 

And  I also  dream’d,  which  charm’d  me  most, 

[ Taking  both  his  hands  in  hers. 
That  you  loved  me  still  the  same. 

I dream’d  that  suitors  besought  my  hand, 

That  knights  upon  bended  knee, 

And  with  vows  no  maiden  heart  could  withstand 
That  they  pledged  their  faith  to  me. 

And  I dream’d  that  one  of  this  noble  host 
Came  forth  my  hand  to  claim  ; 

Yet  I also  dream’d,  which  charmed  me  most, 

That  you  loved  me  still  the  same. 

[. At  the  end  of  the  ballad  Thaddeus  presses  Arline  to  his  heart. ] 

Arl.  And  do  you  love  me  still? 

Tha.  More  than  life  itself. 

Arl.  Yet  is  there  a mystery  between  our  affections  and  their  happiness  that 
[ would  fain  unravel.  ( Pointing  to  her  arm)  The  mark  on  this  arm,  which  I 
have  seen  you  so  often  contemplate,  is  the  key  to  that  mystery.  By  the  love 
you  say  you  bear  me,  solve  it. 

DUET. 

Tha.  ( Taking  her  hand  and  pointing  to  the  mark.) 

That  wound  upon  thine  arm. 

Whose  mark  through  life  will  be, 

In  saving  thee  from  greater  harm 
Was  there  transfixed  by  me. 

Arl.  By  thee  ? 

Tha.  E’er  on  thy  gentle  head 

Thy  sixth  sun  had  its  radiance  shed, 

A wild  deer  who  had  lain  at  bay 
Pursued  by  hunters  cross’d  the  way, 

But  slaying  him  I rescued  thee, 

And  in  his  death-throes’  agony 
That  tender  frame  by  his  antler  gored 
This  humble  arm  to  thy  home  restored. 

Arl.  Strange  feelings  move  this  breast 

It  never  knew  before, 

And  bid  me  here  implore 
That  you  reveal  the  rest. 

ENSEMBLE. 

Tha.  The  secret  of  her  birth 

To  me  is  only  known. 

The  secret  of  a life  whose  worth 
I prize  beyond  my  own. 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


[Act  II. 


a6 


The  secret  of  my  birth 
To  him  is  fully  known, 

The  secret  of  a life  whose  worth 
I prize  beyond  my  own. 

ENSEMBLE. 

Speak,  tell  me — ease  my  tortured  heart, 

And  that  secret  evil,  or  good,  impart. 

I will  tell  thee,  although  the  words  may  sever 
One  who  so  loves  thee  from  thy  love  for  ever. 

Where  is  the  spell  hath  yet  effaced 
The  first  fond  lines  that  love  hath  traced. 

And  after  years  have  but  imprest 
More  deep  in  love’s  confiding  breast. 

ENSEMBLE. 

And  yet  few  spells  have  e’er  effaced 
The  first  fond  lines  that  love  hath  traced, 

And  after  years  have  but  imprest 
More  deep  in  love’s  confiding  breast. 

f At  the  end  of  the  Duet , Thaddeus  throws  himself , in  an  ecstacy , at  the  feet  of 
Aeline,  and  is  bathing  her  hand  with  hisses , when  the  bach  curtains  of  the 
tent  are  withdrawn , and  the  Queen  appears,  pale,  and  trembling  with  passion. 
She  advances  towards  Aeline,  and  pointing  to  Thaddeus — 

Que.  And  dare  you  aspire  to  the  love  of  him  who  possesses  the  heart  of  your 
queen  ? 

Arl.  I possess  his  heart,  and  will  yield  the  possession  to  no  one.  He  is  the 
saviour  of  my  life,  and  the  only  friend  I have  in  all  the  tribG : he  has  sworn 
how  much  he  loves  me. 

Que.  Loves  you ! 

Arl.  Yes  : let  him  speak  for  himself,  and  choose  between  us. 

Que.  Be  it  so. 

[Thaddeus,  who  has  been  anxiously  watching  the  two , here  runs  and  embraces  Ae- 
LINE.  She  surveys  the  Queen  with  an  air  of  triumph .] 

Arl.  {To  the  Queen)  I made  no  idle  boast.  {Then  to  Thaddeus — ) Summon 
our  comrades  hither. 

[The  Queen  is  standing  in  the  centre,  while  THADDEUS  calls  the  Gipsies  together,  who 
enter  on  all  sides  and  surround  the  Queen,  and  appear  to  ash  what  is  going  on. 

CONCERTED  PIECE. 

Arl.  Listen,  while  I relate 

The  hopes  of  the  gipsy’s  fate. 

I am  loved  by  one,  by  one  I love 
All  other  hearts  above, 

And  the  sole  delight  to  me 

[Taking  the  hand  of  THADDEUS. 

Is  with  him  united  to  be. 

Cho.  Happy  and  light  of  heart  be  those 
Who  in  each  bosom  one  faith  repose 


Arl. 


Arl. 

Tha. 

Arl. 


Tha. 


Scene  I.] 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


17 


Dev.  ( Aside — maliciously  pointing  to  the  Queen.) 

A rival’s  hate  you  may  better  tell 
By  her  rage  than  by  her  tears, 

And  it,  perchance,  may  be  as  well, 

To  set  them  both  by  the  ears. 

(To  Queen.) 

As  queen  of  the  tribe,  ’tis  yours  by  right, 

The  hands  of  those  you  rule  to  unite. 

Cho.  (To  the  Queen,  who  draws  back  aud  hesitates .) 

In  love  and  truth,  by  thee 
Their  hands  united  be. 

Arl.  (Partly  inclining  in  supplication .) 

A rival  no  more,  but  a subject  see, 

Asking  thy  blessing  on  bended  knee. 

Tha.  (Raising  her.) 

Debase  not  thyself,  but  rather  lose 
The  boon,  and  a fate  less  wayward  choose. 

Cho.  (Urging  the  Queen.) 

In  love  and  truth,  by  thee 
Their  hands  united  be. 

Que.  (Haughtily  advancing,  and  taking  the  hands  of  Arline  and  THADDEUS.) 

Hand  to  hand,  and  heart  to  heart, 

Who  shall  those  I have  mated  part  ? 

By  the  spell  of  my  Bway, 

Part  them  who  may.  [ Joining  their  hands. 

Cho . Happy  and  light  of  heart  be  those 

Who  in  each  bosom  one  faith  repose ! 

[During  this  scene  the  stage  has  been  growing  somewhat  lighter.  Gipsy  enters.] 
Gip.  Morning  is  beginning  to  dawn,  and  crowds  of  people  are  already  flock- 
ing towards  the  fair : the  sports  begin  with  daylight. 

Que.  Summon  the  rest  of  the  tribe,  and  meet  me  forthwith  in  the  public 
square.  (To  Dev.)  Do  you  remain  to  bear  my  further  orders. 

[Exeunt  Tha.  and  Arl.,  hand  in  hand,  followed  by  the  other  Gipsies  repeating 

Chorus.] 

DUET. 

Que.  This  is  thy  deed — seek  not  to  assauge 
My  jealous  fears  and  a rival’s  rage. 

Dev.  I neither  fear  nor  seek  to  calm — 

Que.  (Aside  to  Dev.)  Reyenge  is  the  wounded  bosom’s  balm, 

That  jewel  with  which  thou  hast  dared  to  deck 
Thy  foredoomed  neck, 

Answer  me — where  didst  thou  get  it — where  ? 

Dev.  ’Twas  entrusted  to  my  care. 

Que.  This  very  night,  on  this  very  spot. 

Thy  soul  for  once  its  fears  forgot, 

And  a drunken  galliard  who  crossed  thy  way, 

Became  thy  prey — 

Dev.  Fiend  born,  ’twere  vain  to  fly 

The  glance  of  her  searching  eye ! 


18 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


[Act  II. 


ENSEMBLE. 

Que.  Down  on  thy  knee  and  that  gem  restore 

E’en  in  thy  shame  amazed, 

Or  long  years  of  sin  shall  deplore 
The  storm  which  thou  hast  raised. 

It  best  might  be  the  prize  to  restore. 

Much  as  I seem  amazed 
Or  hereafter  I may  depiore 
The  storm  which  I have  raised. 
and  presenting  the  medallion  to  the  Queen.) 

Queen,  I obey. 

’T‘  3 the  wisest  thing 

Thy  coward  soul  could  do.  [Takes  ncdullion. 

Who  from  my  grasp  such  prize  could  wring, 

The  doing  it  may  rue. 

Depart,  and  join  the  rest. 

I do  thy  high  behest — 

ENSEMBLE. 

The  wrongs  we  forgive  not  and  cannot  forget, 

Will  the  edge  of  our  vengeance  more  sharply  whet. 

The  wrongs  we  forgive  not  and  cannot  forget, 

Will  the  edge  of  our  vengeance  more  sharply  whet. 

[Exeunt  the  Queen  and  Devilshoof  at  separate  sides. 


SCENE  THE  SECOND. 

Another  Street  in  Preshurg.  Daylight. 

Enter  AKLINE  in  a fanciful  dress,  followed  hy  a troop  of  Gipsies.  She  has  a 
tambourine  in  her  hand. 

CHORUS. 

In  the  Gipsy’s  life  you  may  read 
The  life  that  all  would  like  to  lead. 

SONG. 

Arline. 

Come  with  the  gipsy  bride 
And  repair 
To  the  fair, 

Where  the  mazy  dance 
Will  the  hours  entrance,  # 

Where  souls  as  light  preside  ! 

Life  can  give  nothing  beyond 
One  heart  you  know  to  be  fond, 

Wealth  with  its  hoards  cannot  buy 
The  peace  content  can  supply  ; 

Rank  in  its  halls  may  not  find 
The  calm  of  a happy  mind — 

So  repair 
To  the  fair, 

And  they  all  may  be  met  with  there — 


(Aside) 

Que. 


Dev.  (Aside.) 


Dev.  (Kneeling 
Que. 

Dev.  (Aside) 

Que. 

Dev. 


Scene  III.] 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


ID 


Love  is  the  first  thing  to  clasp, 

But  if  he  escape  your  grasp, 

Friendship  will  then  he  at  hand. 

In  the  young  rogue’s  place  to  stand  ; 

Hope  too  will  be  nothing  loath 
To  point  out  the  way  to  both. 

So  repair 
To  the  fair. 

And  they  all  may  be  met  with  there. 

CHORUS. 

In  the  gipsy’s  life  you  may  read, 

The  life  that  all  would  like  to  lead. 

[ Exeunt  Arline,  followed  by  the  tribe  of  Gipsies. 


SCENE  THE  THIRD. 

A Grand  Fair  in  the  public  Plaatz  of  Presburg.  On  one  side  a large  hotel  over 
which  is  inscribed  “ The  Hall  of  Justice .”  Various  groups  of  Gentry, 
Soldiers,  Citizens,  Peasantry,  covir  the  stage.  Foreign  shops  are  seen  in 
various  parts,  Curious  Rope  Dancers,  Showmen,  Waxwork,  a Quack  Doctor, 
Exhibition,  $c.,  are  dispersed  here  and  there.  Flags  hung  out  at  the  win 
dows,  and  ringing  of  bells,  enliven  the  scene. 

CHORUS. 

Life  itself  is  at  the  best 

One  scene  in  mask  of  folly  drest. 

And  there  is  no  part  of  its  wild  caree. 

But  you  will  meet  with  here  1 

To  these  symbols  of  life  your  voiced  swell, 

Vive  la  masque,  et  vive  la  bagatelle. 

[At  the  end  of  the  Chorus,  and  during  the  Symphomj,  a movement  is  perceived  at  the 
farther  end  of  the  place,  which  is  followed  by  the  entrance  of  a double  party  of  men 
Gipsies,  headed  by  Devilshoof  and  THADDEUS,  who  force  a passage  down  the 
centre  of  the  stage,  which  they  occupy : they  then  open  their  ranks,  when  another 
file  of  female  Gipsies,  headed  by  their  Queen  and  Arline,  pass  down  them. 
FLORESTEIN  and  a party  are  seen  watching  them  with  great  curiosity .] 
QUARTETTE. 

Arline,  Queen,  Thaddeus,  Devilshoof. 

From  tHe  valleys  and  hills 
Where  the  sweetest  buds  grow, 

And  are  watered  by  rills 
Which  are  purest  that  flow, 

**  Come  we ! Come  we ! 

CHORUS. 

Light  of  heart,  fleet  of  foot,  reckless  of  slight  or  gibe. 

Who  can  compare  with  the  free,  happy  gipsy  tribe  ? 

[During  this , the  body  of  Gipsies ' have  been  enacting  characteristic  Dances , wh  en 
Arline,  carrying  a floioer  basket  in  her  hand , glides  round  to  the  assembled  com- 
pany and  sings.'] 


20 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


[Act  II. 


SOLO. 

Arline. 

Sir  Knight,  and  lady,  listen 
That  bright  eye  seems  to  glisten 
(To  a lady.)  As  if  his  trusted  tale 

Did  o’er  thy  sense  prevail ! 

(To  another — 'pointing  to  her  heart .) 

Pretty  maiden,  take  care,  take  care. 

What  havoc  love  maketh  there ! 

(To  a third — pointing  to  a ring  on  her  finger .) 

And  this  token,  from  love  you  borrow, 

Is  the  prelude  of  many  a sorrow  : 

There  are  those  who  have  lived,  who  knew 
The  gipsy’s  words  to  be  true ! 

Cho.  (As  the  same  dance  of  the  other  gipsies  continues.) 

Light  of  heart,  fleet  of  foot,  reckless  of  slight  or  gibe. 

Who  can  compare  with  the  free,  happy  gipsy  tribe  ? 

[At  the  end  of  the  dance  and  chorus  Count  Arnheim  and  some  officers  of  State  enter  ; 
his  hair  has  become  grey,  his  step  is  slow,  and  his  appearance  is  that  of  sorrow.  He 
is  accosted  by  Florestein.] 

Flo : My  dear  uncle,  it  delights  me  to  see  you  amongst  us,  and  here  is  a little 
gipsy  girl  that  would  delight  you  still  more,  (aside)  if  you  had  my  blood  in 
your  veins : she’s  positively  a charming  creature. 

Cou.  I have  lost  the  taste  of  joy,  and  the  sight  of  youth  and  beauty  recalls 
to  my  memory  that  treasure  of  both,  my  loved  and  lost  Arline. 

[He  gazes  attentively  at  Arline,  sighs  heavily,  then  exit  with  his  retinue  into  the  Hall 

of  Justice .] 

Flo.  (To  a party  of  his  friends .)  It’s  no  use  restraining  me — I’m  positively 
smitten.  (Breaks  from  them  and  goes  up  to  Arline.)  Fair  creature,  your  man- 
ner'has  enchanted  me,  and  I would  fain  take  a lesson  from  you. 

Arl.  Of  politeness,  sir?  By  all  means.  To  begin,  then : whenever  you  ad- 
dress a lady,  take  your  hat  off. 

Flo.  Very  smart,  (with  a titter,)  ’pon  my  word,  very  smart.  Your  naivete 
only  increases  the  ieelings  of  admiration  and  devotion  which  a too  susceptible 
heart 

Arl.  (Bursting  out  laughing .)  Ha  ! ha  ! ha  ! 

Flo.  Your  indifference  will  drive  me  to  despair. 

Arl.  Will  it  really ! 

Flo.  Do  not  mock  me,  but  pity  my  too  susceptible  nature,  and  let  me  print 
one  kiss  upon 

[Here  Arline  gives  him  a violent  slap  on  the  face;  the  Queen,  who  has  gone  up  the 
stage  with  Thaddeus,  now  brings  him  on  one  side  and  points  outyhe  situation  of 
Arline  and  Florestein — he  is  about  to  rush  upon  Florestein  just  as  Arline 
has  slapped  his  face — on  receiving  it , he  turns  round  and  finds  himself  between  the 
two,  and  both  are  laughing  in  his  face.] 

Que.  (Eyeing  Florestein.)  It  is  the  very  person  from  whom  they  stole  the 
trinkets  I made  them  give  him  back  again. 

[Taking  the  medallion  from  her  bosom. 


SCENE  III.] 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


21 


This  too  is  his,  and  now  my  project  thrives. 

[Florestein  turns  up  the  stage  to  join  his  party,  and  the  QUEEN  crosses  to 

Arline.] 

You  have  acted  well  your  part,  and  thus  your  Queen  rewards  you. 

[ Places  the  medallion  around  her  neck. 

Forget  not  the  hand  that  gave  it. 

Arl.  {Kneeling  and  kissing  the  Queen’s  hand.)  Let  this  bespeak  my 
gratitude. 

Que.  And  now  let  our  tribe  depart. 

[ Chorus  and  dance  repeated,  and  the  Gipsies  are  all  about  to  march  off,  ThADDEUS 
and  Arline  bringing  up  in  the  rear  of  their  body  ; and  as  they  are  going  off \ 
Florestein,  who  with  his  friends  has  been  watching  their  departure,  perceives 
his  medallion  on  the  neck  of  Arline — he  breaks  through  the  crowd  and  stops 
her — she  and  ThADDEUS  come  forward!] 

Flo.  Though  you  treated  me  so  lightly  some  moments  past,  you  will  not 
do  so  now.  That  medallion  is  mine,  my  friends  here  recognize  it. 

All.  We  do,  we  do.  [Here  Devilshoof  is  seen  to  steal  off. 

Flo.  And  I accuse  you  of  having  stolen  it. 

Arl.  Stolen ! It  was  this  instant  given  me  by  our  Queen,  and  she  is  here  to 
verify  my  words. 

[Arline  runs  about  looking  everywhere  for  the  Queen. 

Flo.  That’s  an  everyday  sort  of  subterfuge.  (To  the  crowd)  Worthy  people 
and  friends,  that  medallion  on  her  neck  belongs  to  me,  and  I accuse  her  or  her 
accomplices  of  having  robbed  me. 

CONCERTED  PIECE. 

Chorus  of  Populace  surrounding  Arline. 

Shame  ! shame!  let  us  know  the  right, 

And  shame  on  the  guilty  one  light ! 


Tha.  {Rushing  before  Arline  to  shield  her) 


He  who  a hand  on  her  would  lay, 

Through  my  heart  must  force  his  way. 

Cho. 

Tear  them  asunder,  but  still  protect, 

Until  they  can  prove  what  they  but  suspect. 

Arl. 

To  all  who  their  belief  have  lent. 

Heaven  can  attest  I am  innocent. 

[FLORESTEIN,  who  has  during  this  movement  entered  the  “ Hall  of  Justice ,”  is  now 
seen  returning,  followed  by  a strong  guard,  who  file  off  each  side  of  the  steps. 

Flo.  {To  Captain  of  Guard,  pointing  to  Arline.) 

There  stands  the  culprit,  on  you  I call : 

Conduct  her  away  to  the  Hall — to  the  Hall. 

[Arline  looks  at  him  with  great  contempt,  the  Gipsies  perceiving  her  danger  range 
themselves  around  her.  ThADDEUS  breaks  from  those  who  are  holding  him  and 
rushes  up  to  her.  Florestein  has  got  behind  the  Captain  of  the  Guard, 
who  gives  orders  Jor  his  body  to  seize  Arline.  upon  which  the  Gipsies  draw 
their  daggers,  a conflict  ensues  in  which  the  Guard  maintains  possession  of 


22 

THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL  [Act  II. 

Arline,  a 

body  of  the  populace  re-seize  Thaddeus,  and  the  Gipsies  are 

routed .] 

ENSEMBLE. 

Capt.  of  G. 

They  who  would  brave  the  law, 

Against  themselves  but  draw 

The  aid  of  which  they  stood  in  need, 

And  aggravate  their  guilty  deed. 

Flo. 

Now  it  is  with  the  law, 

I beg  leave  to  withdraw, 

A glass  of  wine  I greatly  need, 

For  it  has  hurt  my  nerves  indeed. 

Tha. 

Free  me,  or  else  the  law 

Upon  your  heads  you  draw, 

It’s  aid  you  may  live  to  need 

Who  smile  upon  this  daring  deed. 

Gua. 

If  ye  dare  brave  the  law. 

Upon  your  heads  ye  draw 

The  aid  of  which  ye  stand  in  need. 

And  aggravate  their  guilty  deed. 

Gip. 

Why  should  we  fear  the  law, 

Or  all  the  arms  ye  draw, 

While  of  our  aid  she  stands  in  need, 

And  guiltless  is  of  such  a deed. 

[ARLINE  is  conducted  by  a file  oj  the  Guard , led  by  the  CAPTAIN,  and  preceded  by 
Florestein  and  his  party , into  the  “ Hall  of  Justice ,” — the  people  follow  in  a 
mass,  while  Thaddeus  is  detained  by  those  who  first  seized  him  ; and  as 
Arline  is  going  up  the  steps,  the  figure  of  the  Queen  is  seen  in  an  attitude 
of  triumph  over  her  rival's  fall.] 


SCENE  THE  FOURTH. 

Interior  of  Count  Arnheim’s  apartment  in  the  Hall  of  Justice — a view  of  the  last 
scene  visible  through  one  of  the  windows  at  the  back.  A full-length  portrait  of 
Arline,  as  she  was  in  the  first  act , hangs  on  the  wall — state  chairs , dec. — an  eleva- 
tion  or  dais  on  the  o.  p.  side. 

Count  Arnheim  enters  thoughtful  and  dejected , he  contemplates  Arline’s  portrait 
and  wipes  the  tear  from  his  eye. 

RECITATIVE. 

Whate’er  the  scenes  the  present  hour  call  forth  before  the  sight, 

They  lose  their  splendor  when  compared  with  scenes  of  past  delight. 

SONG. 

The  heart  bow’d  down  by  weight  of  woe. 

To  weakest  hope  will  cling, 

To  thought  and  impulse  while  they  flow, 

That  can  no  comfort  bring. 

With  those  exciting  scenes  will  blend 
O’er  pleasure’s  pathway  thrown. 

But  mem’ry  is  the  only  friend 
That  grief  can  call  its  own. 

* 


Scene  IV.] 


TIIE  BOHEMIAN  (I  IK  L. 


23 


The  mind  will  in  its  worst  despair 
Still  ponder  o’er  the  past. 

On  moments  of  delight  that  were 
Too  beautiful  to  last. 

To  long  departed  years  extend. 

Its  visions  with  them  flown  ; 

For  mem’ry  is  the  only  friend 
That  grief  can  call  its  own. 

[At  the  end  of  the  song , a confused  noise  is  heard  outside , when  the  Captain  op 
the  Guard  enters.] 

Cap.  A robbery  has  been  committed,  and  the  accused  is  now  in  the  hall 
awaiting  the  pleasure  of  your  lordship,  as  chief  magistrate  of  the  city,  for 
examination. 

Cou.  Bring  the  parties  before  me. 

[The  Captain  arranges  the  magisterial  chair  o.  p.,  lows  and  exit.] 

Any  thing  to  arouse  me  from  these  distracting  thoughts,  though  the  sole  hap- 
piness I now  enjoy  is  in  the  recollection  of  my  long-lost  child. 

[Seats  himself  , when  the  doors  are  violently  opened , and  a mol  of  citizens , guards , 
and  gentry  enters.  Flore  stein  is  in  the  midst  of  them , who  instantly  rushes 
up  to  the  Count.  1 

Flo.  It  is  your  lordship’s  nephew — I,  who  have  been  robbed ! 

Cou.  Some  folly  of  yours  is  forever  compromising  my  name  and  that  of  your 
family. 

Flo.  But  I am  in  this  instance  the  victim — I have  been  robbed,  and  there 
stands  the  culprit. 

[ Pointing  to  ARLINE,  standing  in  the  centre , pale  and  with  disheveled  hair , lut  still 
haughty  in  her  demeanor.] 

Cou.  {Aside.)  ’Tis  she  I saw  but  now  in  the  public  square.  That  girl,  so 
young,  so  beautiful,  commit  a robbery,  impossible  1 

Flo.  She  stole  this  medallion  belonging  to  me — we  found  it  upon  her. 

Cou.  {Addressing  Arline.)  Can  this  be  true  ? 

Arl.  {Looking  contemptuously  at  Flore  STEIN  and  turning  with  dignity  to  the 
Count.)  Heaven  knows  I am  innocent,  and  if  your  lordship  knew  my  heart, 
you  would  not  deem  me  guilty. 

Cou.  Her  words  sink  deep  into  my  breast.  Childless  myself,  I fain  would 
spare  the  child  of  another.  {To  Florestein.)  What  proofs  have  you  of 
this  ? 

Flo.  {Pointing  to  his  friends)  My  witnesses  are  here,  who  all  can  swear  they 
saw  it  on  her  neck. 

All.  We  can. 

Cou.  Still  does  my  mind  misgive  me.  {To  Arline  in  a kind  tone)  My 
wish  is  to  establish  your  innocence — explain  this  matter  to  me,  aiyl  without 
fear. 

Arl.  That  medallion  was  given  to  me  by  the  queen  of  the  tribe  to  which  I 
belong — how  it  came  in  her  possession  I know  not.  But  a light  breaks  in 
upon  me — I see  it  all — I chanced  to  incur  her  displeasure,  and  to  revenge  her- 


24 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


[Act  II. 


self  upon  me,  slie  lias  laid  for  me  this  shameless  snare,  into  which  I have  inno- 
cently fallen,  and  of  which  I have  become  the  victim. 

[Hiding  her  face  in  her  hands  and  weeping. 
Cou.  ( With  a struggled)  I believe  your  tale,  and  from  my  heart  I pity  the  inex- 
perience which  has  led  to  the  ruin  of  one  who  seems  above  the  grade  of  those 
she  herds  with — but  in  the  fulfillment  of  duty  I must  compromise  the  feel- 
ings of  nature,  and  I am  forced  to  deliver  you  into  the  hands  of  justice. 

Arl.  (To  the  Count.)  To  you  my  earthly,  to  him  my  heavenly  judge,  I re- 
assert my  innocence.  I may  be  accused,  but  will  not  be  degraded,  and  from 
the  infamy  with  which  I am  unjustly  threatened,  thus  I free  myself. 

(She  draws  a dagger  from  beneath  her  scarf,  and  is  about  to  stab  herself,  when 
Count  Aknheim  rushes  forward,  seizes  her  arm,  and  wrests  the  dagger  from 
her.) 

FINALE. 

Cou.  Hold  1 hold ! 

We  cannot  give  the  life  we  take, 

Nor  re-unite  the  heart  we  break! 

Sad  thing — 

[Taking  the  hand  of  Arline,  and  suddenly  seeing  the  wound  on  her  arm.] 

What  visions  round  me  rise, 

And  cloud,  with  mists  of  the  past,  mine  eyes'? 

That  mark ! those  features ! and  thy  youth ! 

[Bragging  Arline  forward  and  in  great  agitation. 

My  very  life  hangs  on  thy  truth — 

How  came  that  mark  ? 

Arl.  ( Recollecting  Thaddeus’s  words.) 

E’er  on  my  head 

My  sixth  sun  had  its  radiance  shed, 

A wild  deer,  who  had  lain  at  bay, 

Pursued  by  hunters,  cross’d  my  way ; 

My  tender  frame,  by  his  antler  gored, 

An  humble  youth  to  my  home  restored : 

The  tale  he  but  this  day  confess’d, 

And  is  near  at  hand  to  relate  the  rest. 

[Here  a tumult  is  heard,  and  Thaddeus,  having  escaped  from  those  who  confined  him , 
breaks  into  the  room,  and  rushes  into  the  arms  of  ARLINE.  The  COUNT,  on  see- 
ing him,  reels  back.  A general  excitement  prevails .] 

Cou.  With  the  force  of  fear  and  hope 

My  feelings  have  to  cope  ! 

Arl.  (Approaching  the  Count  and  pointing  to  THADDEUS,  who  starts  on  beholdr 

ing  him.  ) 

’Tis  he  the  danger  braved ; 

’Tis  he  my  life  who  saved. 


SOLO. 


Cou.  (Seizing  ARLINE  in  his  arms,  and  in  a transport  of  joy) 


Scene  IV.] 


THE  BOHEMIAN’  GAEL. 


25 


My  own,  my  long  lost  child  1 
Oh,  seek  not  to  control 
This  frantic  joy,  this  wild 
Delirium  of  my  soul ! 

Bound  in  a father’s  arms 
And  pillow’d  upon  his  breast, 

Bid  all  rude  alarms 
That  assail’d  thy  feelings,  rest. 

[COUNT  clasps  Akline  to  his  heart — kisses  her  head,  hands,  hair,  and  shedding  tears 

of  Joy-] 

Arl.  {Bewildered,  starts  from  the  Count  and  runs  to  Thaddeus.) 

Speak — speak  I this  shaken  frame, 

This  doubt,  this  torture,  see — 

My  hopes — my  very  life — my  fame 
Depend  on  thee. 

Tha.  {Pointing  to  Count  Arnheim  with  deep  emotion.  Aside.) 

Dear  as  thou  long  hast  been, 

Dear  as  thou  long  wilt  be, 

Mourned  as  this  passing  scene 
Will  be  through  life  by  me. 

Though  his  heart,  and  none  other,  like  mine  can  adore  thee, 

Yet  {aloud)  thou  art  not  deceived — ’tis  thy  father  before  thee  1 

[Arline  staggers  and  rushes  into  the  Count’s  arms. 

ENSEMBLE. 

Praised  be  the  will  of  heaven, 

Whose  light  on  them  smiled. 

And  whose  bounty  hath  given 
The  father  his  child ! 

Praised  be  the  will  of  heaven, 

Whose  light  o’er  me  smiled. 

And  whose  bounty  hath  given 
A father  his  child  I 
Praised  be  the  will  of  heaven, 

Whose  light  o’er  me  smiled, 

And  whose  bounty  hath  given 
A father  his  child ! 

Though  from  this  bosom  riven, 

That  heart  is  beguiled. 

The  bereavement  hath  given 
The  father  his  child  1 

[Thaddeus  hides  his  face  in  his  hand,  much  moved. 
Dev.  {Suddenly  emerging  from  the  crowd  and  dragging  Thaddeus  away.) 

Better  go  ’ere  driven. 

Than  e’er  be  reviled, 

For  the  bounty  hath  given 
The  father  his  child  ! 

Cho.  Praised  be  the  will  of  heaven  ! 

Whose  light  on  them  smiled, 

And  whose  bounty  hath  given 
The  father  his  child  1 


Cho. 

Cou. 

Arl. 

Tha. 


26 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL 


[Act  ni. 


Act  the  Third. 

S€ENE  THE  FIRST. 

[A  Splendid  Saloon  in  the  Castle  of  Count  Abnheim.  On  the  Ground  Floor,  a 
large  window  at  the  lack  opening  on  the  Park.  On  the  o.  p.  side,  the  door  of 
a small  Cabinet,  doors  at  the  back  leading  into  spacious  Galleries.'] 

Enter  ARLINE,  elegantly  dressed  for  a Ball. 

Arl.  The  past  appears  to  be  but  a dream  from  which  I have  at  length 
awoken.  Yet  my  heart  recalls  enough  to  convince  me  it  was  all  reality. 
When  I think  of  the  wandering  life  I led,  my  memory  will  revert  to  him  who 
in  every  trial  preserved  its  honor,  who  twice  restored  me  to  a father’s  arms, 
and  at  length  to  a father’s  home. 

Count  Arnheim  enters  with  Florestein — Arline  runs  into  his  arms. 

Cou.  Every  moment  you  leave  me  is  a moment  of  unhappiness.  I am 
jealous  of  whatever  divides  us,  short  as  may  be  the  interval.  On  a night  of  so 
much  joy,  when  so  many  friends  are  to  assemble  and  participate  in  your 
father’s  delight,  let  me  intercede  for  one  you  have  too  much  cause  to  be  angry 
with. 

Arl.  {. Averting  her  head.  The  very  sight  of  him  disturbs  me.  To  the  Count.) 
The  wishes  of  my  dear  father  I would  cheerfully  comply  with,  but  the  repug- 
nance I cannot  overcome. 

Flo.  {Falling  on  his  knee)  Fair  cousin,  let  me  plead  my  own  cause,  and  express 
the — aw — sorrow  I really  feel  at  having  for  an  instant  believed  it  possible 

in  fact,  I never  in  reality 

Enter  a SERVANT. 

What  the  devil  do  you  want  at  such  a critical  part  of  one’s  conversation  ? 

[ Servant  crosses  to  the  Count. 

Ser.  The  castle  is  filling  with  guests  who  inquire  for  your  lordship. 

[Exit. 

Cou.  {To  Arlene.)  Let  us  hasten  to  meet  them,  and  afford  me  the  joy  of 
making  you  known  to  all. 

Arl.  Allow  me  but  time  to  fortify  myself  for  a ceremony  I am  a stranger  to, 
and  I will  follow  you. 

Flo.  That  is  but  reasonable,  uncle — I will  live  in  hopes  of  my  cousin’s  for- 
giveness, which  can  alone  restore  me — peace — of  mind.  {Aside.)  I shall  posi- 
tively expire  if  I don’t  lead  off  the  first  quadrille  with  her. 

[Exeunt  Count  and  Florestein. 

Arl.  I am  once  more  left  to  my  thoughts,  and  all  the  deep  regrets  which 
accompany  them,  nothing  can  drive  the  recollection  of  Thaddeus  from  my 
mind,  and  the  lonely  life  I led,  was  to  me  far  happier  than  the  constrained 
one  now  I pass  ; and  the  graceful  dress  of  the  gipsy  girl  becomes  me  more 
than  all  this  gaudy  apparel  of  nobles.  {Going  round  the  room  to  see  if  any  one  is 
watching .)  Now  no  eye  beholds  me  I may  at  least  indulge  in  a remembrance 


I 


Scene  I.J  THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL.  27 

of  tlie  past.  {Goes  to  the  Cabinet  o.  p.  and  brings  mt  her  Gipsy  dress.)  The 
sight  of  this  recalls  the  memory  of  happy  days,  and  of  him  who  made  them 
happy. 

[vis  she  is  contemplating  the  dress , the  window  of  the  back  suddenly  opens , and  Devils 
hoof  springs  into  the  apartment .] 

Art.  {Screaming')  Ah ! what  seek  you  here  with  me ? 

Dev.  Hush!  fear  not;  hut  he  silent.  I come  to  ask  you  to  rejoin  our 
tribe — we  have  never  ceased  to  feel  the  loss  of  one  liked  more  than  all  the 
rest. 

Arl.  Impossible ! Leave  me,  I pray,  and  let  me  forget  we  have  ever  been 
acquainted. 

Dev.  I have  brought  with  me  one  who  has,  undoubtedly,  greater  powers  of 
persuasion  than  I can  pretend  to. 

{Here  Thaddeus  appears  at  the  window  ; enters  the  room , and  Abline,  unable  to  re- 
strain her  feelings , rushes  into  his  arms.) 

Tha.  In  the  midst  of  so  much  luxury,  so  much  wealth  and  grandeur,  I 
thought  you  had  forgotten  me. 

Arl.  Forgotten  you ! {Pointing  to  the  Gipsy’s  dress.)  Had  I nothing 
else  to  remind  me  of  you,  this  would  always  speak  to  me  of  you.  Forgotten 
you? 

Tha.  The  scenes  in  which  you  now  move,  may  drive  from  your  memory 
every  trace  of  the  past,  and  I only  come  to  ask — to  hope — that  you  will  some- 
times think  upon  me. 

* (Devilsboof  goes  up  to  the  window  on  the  look-out. 

When  other  lips,  and  other  hearts, 

Their  tales  of  love  shall  tell. 

In  language  whose  excess  imparts 
The  power  they  feel  so  well : 

There  may,  perhaps,  in  such  a scene, 

Some  recollection  be 
Of  days  that  have  as  happy  been, 

And  you’ll  remember  me. 

When  coldness,  or  deceit,  shall  slight 
The  beauty  now  they  prize. 

And  deem  it  but  a faded  light 
Which  beams  within  your  eyes; 

When  hollow  hearts  shall  wear  a mask 
’Twill  break  your  own  to  see. 

In  such  a moment  I but  ask 
That  you’ll  remember  me. 

[At  the.  end  oj  the  song,  Arline  goes  up  to  Thaddeus,  and  with  great  emphasis 

says :] 

Arl.  Whatever  may  be  our  future  lot,  nothing  should  persuade  you  that  I 
can  ever  cease  to  think  of,  ever  cease  to  love  you. 

Tha.  {Overjoyed)  My  heart  is  overpowered  with  happiness  : — yet,  alas ! ’tis 
but  of  short  duration,  for  I must  leave  you  now  for  ever. 

Arl.  Oh,  no,  no ! say  not  so ! I cannot  live  without  you. 


/ 


28 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL 


[Act  HI. 


Tha.  And  will  you  then  forsake  your  home,  your  kindiad,  all ! and  follow 
me? 

ENSEMBLE. 

TRIO. 

Tha.  (To  Arline.) 

Through  the  world  wilt  <hou  fly 
From  the  world  with  me 
Wilt  thou  fortune’s  frowns  defy, 

As  I will  for  thee  ? 

Arl . (To  Thaddetjs.) 

Through  the  world  I will  fly 
From  the  world  with  thee, 

Could  I hush  a father’s  sigh 
That  would  heave  for  me. 
j Dev.  (Coming  down.  To  Thaddetjs.) 

All  the  world  hither  fly. 

Come  away  with  me  ! 

Never  let  a lover’s  sigh 
Ruin  bring  on  thee ! 

Hasten  ! hasten  ! thy  safety  calls : 

See  where  they  throng  the  halls ! 

This  way  ! [Going  towards  the  window. 

Atl.  (S topping  Thaddeus.) 

Stop ! do  not  snap  the  string 
Of  the  fondest  tie  « 

In  my  memory 

To  which  the  heart  can  cling. 

Tha.  I am  chained  by  fate  to  the  spot. 

Dev.  Nearer  they  come ! 

Arl.  Oh,  leave  me  not. 

Tha.  Oh,  where  should  affection’s  feelings  rest, 

If  they  may  not  repose  on  affection’s  breast  ? 

Better  to  die  than  live  to  grieve 
Over  the  pangs  such  partings  leave ! 

Dev.  (Still  looking  out) 

A moment  more  and  your  doom  is  cast  1 
Arl.  (Aside)  The  hopes  that  were  brightest,  the  dreams  of  the  past 
In  the  fullness  of  promise  recede, 

And  render  the  prospect  dark  indeed. 

Dev.  Escape  is  hopeless. 

Arl.  (Pointing  to  the  cabinet)  Enter  here  ! 

Where  detection  we  need  not  fear  1 
ENSEMBLE. 

Tha.  If  it  were  not  for  thee,  I would  here  await 
The  venom’d  shafts  of  their  deadliest  hate. 

Dev.  Though  here  you  may  linger,  I will  not  await 
The  certain  blow  of  their  power  and  hate. 

Arl.  Oh,  if  only  for  me,  no  longer  await 

The  venom’d  shafts  of  their  deadliest  hate. 


Scene  IV.] 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


29 


Thaddeus  has  barely  time  to  take  refuge  in  the  cabinet,  a id,  DEVILSHOOF  to 
escape  by  the  window,  when  the  great  doors  are  thrown  open,  and  a brilliant 
assemblage  enters,  led  by  COUNT  Arnheim,  Florestein,  fc.  COUNT  takes 
Arline’s  hand  and  presents  her  to  the  company .] 

Cou.  Welcome,  welcome  all — share  with  me  all  the  joy  I feel  while  I present 
my  loved  and  long  lost  daughter. 

FINALE. 

Cho.  Welcome  the  present,  oh  ponder  not 
On  the  days  departed  now, 

Let  the  cares  that  were  theirs  be  forgot. 

And  raised  from  pleasure’s  brow ; 

Never  mind  time,  nor  what  he  has  done. 

If  he  only  the  present  will  smile  upon. 

Flo.  {Seeing  the  gipsy  dress  on  a chair  and  taking  it  up.) 

This  is  not  an  ornament  fit  to  grace, 

At  such  a moment,  such  stately  place, 

And  perchance  ’twere  best  to  hide  the  prize 
In  this  recess  {pointing  to  the  cabinet)  from  his  lordship’s 
eyes. 

Arl.  {Whose  attention  has  been  riveted  on  the  cabinet , and  seeing 
Florestein  go  near  it.) 

That  room  and  it’s  treasure  belong  to  me, 

And  from  all  intrusion  must  sacred  be. 

Cho.  Never  mind  time,  nor  what  he  has  done, 

If  he  cnly  the  present  will  smile  upon ! 

Welcome  the  present,  oh  ponder  not 
On  days  departed  now ; 

Let  the  cares  that  were  theirs  be  forgot 
And  raised  from  pleasure’s  brow. 

[A  confused  murmur  is  heard  at  the  back  of  the  stage.] 

What  sounds  break  on  the  ear, 

Checking  young  joy’s  career  ? 

[A  ft  nale,  closely  veiled,  enters  the  apartment  and  goes  up  to  COUNT  ARNHEIM.] 
Fern.  Heed  the  warning  voice  !J 
Wail  and  not  rejoice ! 

The  foe  to  thy  rest. 

Is  one  thou  lovest  best. 

[ She  lets  her  veil  fall,  and  discovers  the  Queen  OF  GlPQIES.] 

Cou.  Who  and  what  thou  ? Let  me  know 
Whom  dost  thou  deem  my  foe  ? 

Que.  Think  not  my  warning  wild ! 

’Tis  thy  re-found  child  I 

She  loves  a youth  of  the  tribe  I sway, 

And  braves  the  world’s  reproof; 

List  to  the  words  I say — 

He  is  now  concealed  beneath  thy  roof! 

Cou.  Base  wretch,  thou  best — 

Que.  Thy  faith  I begrudge — 

Open  that  door,  and  thyself  be  judge. 

[COUNT  rushes  to  the  door  of  the  cabinet,  which  Arline  in  vain  opposes.] 
ENSEMBLE. 

Stand  not  across  my  path, 

Brave  not  a father’s  wrath. 

Arl.  Thrown  thus  across  thy  path, 

Let.me  abide  thy  wrath. 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


30 


[Act  III. 


[The  CotJNT  pushes  Arline  aside,  opens  the  door , and  Thaddeus  appears — the 
COUNT  reels  bach,  and  every  one  seems  panic-struck.] 

QUINTETTE  AND  CHORUS. 

Count,  Florestein,  Thaddeus,  Arline,  and  Queen. 
ENSEMBLE. 

Cou.  (To  Arline.)  To  shame  and  feeling  dead, 

Now  hopeless  to  deplore, 

The  thunder  bursting  on  thy  head, 

Had  not  surprised  me  more. 

Flo.  And  this  is  why  she  said, 

I must  not  touch  the  door, 

It  clearly  would  have  been  ill-bred, 

For  rivals  are  a bore ! 

Tha.  Though  every  hope  be  fled, 

Which  seem’d  so  bright  before. 

The  vengeance  I scorn  to  dread, 

Which  they  on  me  can  pour ! 

Arl.  (. Horror-stricken  on  seeing  the  Queen.) 

To  all  but  vengeance  dead, 

She  stands  mine  eyes  before ! 

It’s  thunders  waiting  on  my  head 
In  all  her  hate  to  pour. 

Que.  (Maliciously  eyeing  Arline.) 

All  other  feelings  dead, 

Revenge  can  hope  restore, 

It’s  thunders  on  her  daring  head 
I only  live  to  pour. 

Cho.  Although  to  feeling  dead. 

This  sorrow  we  deplore, 

The  thunder  bursting  o’er  our  head 
Had  not  surprised  us  more. 

Cou.  (Advancing  to  Thaddeus.) 

Leave  the  place  thy  polluting  step  hath  cross’d, 

Depart  or  thou  art  lost. 

[Tha.  (Casting  a sorrowful  look  on  Arline,  as  he  is  about  to  gol\ 

To  threats  I should  contemn, 

For  thy  dear  sake  I yield. 

Arl,  (Summoning  resolution.) 

The  bursting  torrent  I will  stem, 

And  him  I live  for  shield. 

[She  takes  THADDEUS  by  the  hand  and  goes  to  the  Count,  then  turns  to  the  coi>b 

pany .] 

Break  not  the  only  tie. 

That  bids  my  heart  rejoice, 

For  whom  contented  I would  die, 

( With  energy .)  The  husband  of  my  choice. 

Cou.  (Hushing  between  them  and  drawing  his  sword.  To  THADDEUS.) 

Depart  ere  my  thirsty  weapon  stains 

These  halls  with  the  blood  of  thy  recreant  veins ! 

(To  Arline.)  False  thing ! beloved  too  long,  too  well, 

Brave  not  the  madness  thou  canst  not  quell  1 
Que.  (Seizing  Thaddeus  by  the  arm.) 

List  to  the  warning  voice  that  calls  thee ! 

Fly  from  the  peril  that  enthralls  thee ! 

(Darting  a furious  look  at  Arline  as  she  passes  her.) 

Weep  rivers — for  ages  pine ! 

He  shall  never  be  thine  ! 


Scene  I. 


THE  BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


31 


[As  the  QtJEEN  is  dragging  Thaddeus  towards  the  window,  Aei.NE  stops  /«.] 
Arl.  (To  the  assembly .)  Your  pardon,  if  I seek 

With  my  father  alone  to  speak. 

r Exeunt  every  one  at  the  large  doors  each  side  of  the  window,  which  close  upon  them 
— the  Queen  is  seen  to  pass  out  of  the  window) 

Arl.  ( Falling  at  the  COUNT’S  feet) 

See  at  your  feet  a suppliant — one 
One  whose  place  should  be  your  heart — 

Behold  the  only  living  thing 
To  which  she  had  to  cling. 

Who  saved  her  life,  watched  o’er  her  years 
With  all  the  fondness  faith  endears, 

And  her  affections  won — 

Rend  not  such  ties  apart. 

Cou.  Child ! Arline ! wilt  thou,  darest  thou  heap 
A stain  thine  after  life  will  beweep. 

On  these  hairs  by  thee  and  sorrow  bleach’d. 

On  this  heart  dishonor  never  reach’d. 

Arl.  ( Rising  and  seeking  refuge  in  the  arms  of  THADDEUS.) 
Whatever  the  danger,  the  ruin,  the  strife, 

It  must  fall ; united  we  are  for  life. 

Cou.  ( With  rage)  United  ! and  would’st  thou  link  my  name 
In  a chain  of  such  deep  disgrace  ? 

My  rank,  my  very  blood  defame, 

With  a blot  no  time  can  efface  ? 

The  child  of  my  heart,  of  my  house  the  pride, 

An  outcast  gipsy’s  bride ! 

Tha.  {Breaking  Jr om  her,  and  going  up  with  great  dignity  to  COUNT 
Arnheim.) 

Proud  lord,  although  this  head  proscribed 
Should  fall  by  the  weapons  thy  wealth  hath  bribed ; 
Although  in  revealing  the  name  I bear. 

The  home  I shall  see  no  more, 

The  land  which  to  thee  in  its  deep  despair 
The  deadliest  hatred  bore, 

I may  have  fallen  the  bravest  of  foes, 

’Twere  better  like  them  to  die! 

And  in  dishonored  earth  to  lie, 

Than  bear  unresented  reproaches  like  those. 

COUNT  Arnfeim  and  Arline  betray  symptoms  of  astonishment,  yet  great  anxiety. 

Start  not,  but  listen, 

When  the  fair  land  of  Poland  was  ploughed  by  the  hoof 
Of  the  ruthless  invader  when  might — 

With  steel  to  the  bosom  and  flame  to  the  roof, 

Completed  her  triumph  o’er  right : 

In  that  moment  of  danger,  when  freedom  invoked 
All  the  fetterless  sons  of  her  pride. 

In  a phalanx  as  dauntless  as  freedom  e’er  yoked, 

I fought  and  I fell  by  her  side  ; 

My  birth  is  noble,  unstained  my  crest 
As  is  thine  own,  let  this  attest. 

[ Takes  his  commission  seen  in  Act  I,  from  his  bosom,  and  gives  it  to  the  Count, 
who  stands  fixed  and  bewildered .] 

Pity  for  one  in  childhood  torn 
Erom  k’ndred  with  whom  she  dwelt. 


32 


BOHEMIAN  GIRL. 


[Act  III 


Ripened  in  after  years  to  love 
The  fondest  that  heart  hath  felt, 

Hath  made  me  thus  far  faith  renew 
With  outlaws  chance  first  linked  me  to : 

As  a foe  on  this  head  let  your  hatred  be  piled, 

But  despise  not  one  who  hath  so  loved  your  child. 

Cou.  ( Greatly  moved.) 

The  feuds  of  a nation’s  strife, 

The  party  storms  of  life, 

Should  never  their  sorrows  impart 
To  the  calmer  scenes  of  the  heart. 

By  this  hand  let  thine  hold, 

Till  the  blood  of  its  veins  be  cold  1 

[THADDEUS,  moved  to  tears,  is  about  to  fall  at  the  Count’s  feet,  who  checks  Atm.] 
Not  at  mine— be  that  homage  paid  at  hers. 

Who  the  fond  one  of  feeling  on  thee  confers. 

TRIO. 

Cou.  Let  not  the  soul  over  sorrows  grieve. 

With  which  the  bosom  hath  ceased  to  heave. 

Let  us  not  think  of  the  tempest  past, 

If  we  reach  the  haven  at  last. 

Arl.  Ne’  er  should  the  soul  over  sorrows  grieve. 

With  which  the  bosom  hath  ceased  to  heave ; 

Ne’er  should  we  think  of  the  tempest  past. 

If  we  reach  the  haven  at  last. 

Tha.  Why  should  the  soul  over  sorrows  grieve, 

With  which  the  bosom  hath  ceased  to  heave  ? 

Why  should  we  think  of  the  tempest  past, 

If  we  reach  the  haven  at  last  ? 

{During  the  {trio,  the  wan  figure  of  the  Queen  has  been  seen  at  the  window  in  the 
back , and  at  the  end  of  it,  as  Thaddeus  is  about  to  embrace  Arline,  the  Queen, 
in  a transport  of  rage , points  him  out  to  a Gipsy  by  her  side , who  is  in  the 
act  of  firing  at  him , when  Devilshoof,  who  has  tracked  their  steps , averts  the 
Gipsy's  dim , and  by  a rapid  movement  turns  the  musket  towards  the  Queen — it 
goes  off,  and  she  falls.'] 

Cou.  Guard  every  portal — summon  each  guest  and  friend — 

And  this  festive  scene  suspend. 

[ The  distant  sound  of  joyous  instruments  heard  in  the  saloons,  which  the  intelligence  of 
the  catastrophe  is  supposed  to  have  reached,  ceases,  and^crowds  of  Nobles,  Ladies, 
Guests,  #c.,  pour  in  at  each  door.  Arline  rushes  into  the  arms  of  THADDEUS, 
and  then  passes  over  to  the  Count.] 

ARLINE  AND  CHORUS. 

Oh ! what  full  delight 

Through  my  bosom  thrills. 

And  a wilder  glow 
In  my  heart  instils  I 
Bliss ! unfelt  before, 

Hope ! without  alloy, 

Speak,  with  raptured  tone. 

Of  that  heart  the  joy ! 

[As  the  curtain  descends,  is  heard  under  the  window  at  the  back,] 

THE  GIPSY’S  CHORUS. 

In  the  gipsy’s  life  you  may  read, 

The  life  that  all  would  like  to  lead. 


THE  END. 


NEW  AND  COMPLETE  UNIFORM  EDITIONS. 

MAYNE  REIETS  POPULAR  WORKS, 

IN  FOURTEEN  HANDSOME  VOLUME^,  BEAUTIFULLY  ILLUSTRATED. 

CLOTH,  GILT,  SI  50  PER;V,OLUME. 

* > ;vir  * 


Lost  Lenore  ; ok,  the  Adventures  of  a 'Rollti^g-stone.  This  book  teems  with 
interesting  and  surprising  adventures  in  almost  eve/y  land.  It  includes  the  hero’s 
hair-breadth  ’scapes  as  a cabin  boy— his  perilous  life  as  a soldier  in  Mexico— his  deser- 
tion and  flight  over  the  Plains— his  career  as  a gold  digger  in  Caliiornia— and  a vast 
deal  more  of  intensely  exciting  incident. 

Tho  Tiger  Hunter ; ok,  a Hero  in  Spite  of  Himself.  Maync  Reid  has  sur-  ! 
passed  himself  in  the  dashing  pages  of  this  fascinating  romance.  But,  oh’,  how  match- 
lessly he  describes  the  beauties  of  the  dark-eyed  maid.  Gertrudis. 

The  Maroon  ; OK,  Planter  Life  in  Jamaica.  This  is  one  of  the  most  thrilling 
stories  ever  written. 

"Wild  Huntress;  or,  Love  in  the  Wilderness.  This  book  eloquently  shows  j 
tr.at  the  noblest  bean  may  beat  far  from  the  city,  and  that  a hero’s  breast  may  as  well  j 
be  covered  by  a deer-skin  hunting  frock  as  by  a kingly  robe. 

The  Woodrangers  ; or.  The  Trappers  of  Sonora,  The  knowledge  of  the  j 
world  of  savage  life  which  Maync  Reid  possesses  in  so  remarkable  a degree,  is  strongly 
exhibited  in  this  forest  romance.  It  is  penned  in  his  usual  fluent  and  forcible  style. 

Wild  Life;  or,  Adventures  on  the  Frontier.  This  Tale  of  the  Early  Daj-s  of  the 
Texan  Republic,  may  truthfully  be  styled  unsurpassable.  Without  reading  it— and  all 
should-  no  idea  can  be  formed  of  the  immense  enjoyment  that  call  be  derived  from  it. 

Osceola,  The  Seminole  ; or,  the  Red  Fawn  of  the  Flower  Land.  Florida,  j 
with  its  red-skin  rovers,  finds  in  Captain  Mayue  lteid  the  romancist  it  deserves.  The 
famous  Warrior  of  the  Seminoles  lives  his  noble  life  over  again. 

Hangers  and  Regulators  of  the  Tanaha  ; or,  Life  among  the 

Lawless.  Only  a person  like  Mayne  Reid,  who  had  lived  in  the  midst  of  the  wild 
scenes  herein  depicted,  could  have  penned  so  thrilling,  so  earnest,  and  so  fascinating  an 
interweaving  of  real  occurrences  far  beyond  the  highest  flights  of  fiction. 

Rifle  RaUgerS;  OR,  Adventures  in  Southern  Mexico.  Through  virgin  forest 
and  over  boulders  in  the  desert  goes  the  variegated  thread  of  the  story  ; where  is 
danced  the* fandango,  and  into  the  desert  where  the  lizard  starts  at  the  Indian’s  war- 
whoop. 

Scalp  Hunters;  o-^adve  ntuuf.8  among  the  Trappers.  The  terrible  hero  who  ! 

becomes  a white  scalper— the  trapper — the  dark-eyed  savage  girl— throug  this  well  i 

moulded  story  of  the  most  thrilling  cast. 

Hunter’s  Feast;  or.  Conversations  around  the  Camp-Fire.  Tales  told  , 
around  the  “ wolf-scaring  ingot,”  by  me  hardy  hunters  and  fearless  frontiersmen,  who 
themselves  tell  of  actions  in  the  speech  they  use  in  life. 

The  White  Chief;  A Legend  of  Northern  Mexico.  The  readet*  of  this  hap- 
pily c mceived  working  up  of  a well-known  legend  of  the  Texan  borders,  will  find  it 
difficult  to  overstate  the  deep  inter*  st  it  will  have  uiven  him.  Tne  plot  of  th.s  volume 
is  more  than  good,  and  t(ie  execution  of  it  is  fully  equal  to  it. 

Quadroon;  or,  A Lover’s  Adventures  in  Louisiana.  The  sunny  landscape,  the 
stilly  savannahs,  the  sickly  swamps,  the  deadly  serpent,  the  unwieldy  alligator,  arc  all 
portrayed  in  his  usual  var  ed  hues  by  this  chronicler  of  the  “ Bel  lean  State.”  The  love 
scenes  have  all  the  warmth  of  the  Creole  blood. 

War  Trail;  or,  Tiif,  Hunt  of  tiif.  Wild  IIobsf,,  Wild  Indians,  with  d>wmal  swamps 
and  fathomless  caverns,  having  been  in  other  works  splendidly  painteu  t>y  this  forest 
rambler,  he  has  given  them  a secondary  place  in  the  *•  War  Trail,”  am!  taken  up  the 
pursuit  of  that  peerless  Phantom  Steed  which  fills  the  legends  of  Western  Trappers.  ' 

These  form  the  Most  Interesting  Series  of  Works  ever  Published. 

1ST  Coifles  of  the  above  Rooks  sent  to  any  address  in  the  United  States  and  Canadas, 

free  of  postage.  Send  cash  orders  to 

R.  II.  DEWITT,  13  Frankfort  St.,  N.  Y. 


